All Types of Fruit - Or How to Get the Best Health from Your Fruit Ayr

While all types of fruit which are edible may have some nutritional benefit, it is as well to be aware that the acids found in fruits can be to some extent harmful. Anyone who has tried to eat a lot of pineapple at one sitting will know the acidic effects that such fruit can have on the inside of the mouth.

All Types of Fruit - Or How to Get the Best Health from Your Fruit

Here is some further information on types of fruit and how different types of fruit contribute to healthy nutrition.

What's here?

First, here's a look at the different main groups of fruit. Fruits can be divided into acid fruits, semi-acid fruits and alkaline fruits. This is a distinction often drawn by those who are interested in food combining and deriving the best nutrition from their food.

All types of fruit which are edible will have some nutritional benefit.

There are, of course, lots of technical ways of classifying fruits to do with the botanical properties of each species. This is of limited interest from the perspective of nutrition.

The only thing worth noting here is that several of what we generally regard as vegetables are in fact fruits - tomatoes and cucumber being perhaps the commonest examples. How do we know they are fruits? Simply because they are the ripened ovaries of flowering plants - the most basic definition of what a fruit is.

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All types of fruit:

Harmful Fruits?

While all types of fruit which are edible may have some nutritional benefit, it is as well to be aware that the acids found in fruits can be to some extent harmful. Anyone who has tried to eat a lot of pineapple at one sitting will know the acidic effects that such fruit can have on the inside of the mouth.

The toothpaste companies are keen to remind us of "acid erosion" which can arise when tooth enamel is brought in contact with fruit and other acids. It is not just a marketing ploy. Real damage can occur from too much citric, or malic acid acting on the tooth's surface. Drinks such as apple juice and orange juice lower the pH of the mouth enough to cause actual damage in some individuals.

Fruit sugars, too can be stronger than is desirable and can cause dental caries. This is especially true for dried fruits where sugars are concentrated. In addition, some people may be allergic to some types of fruit. Salicylates in citrus fruits and some other fruits may cause allergy-like symptoms in some people. Salicylates tend to decrease in quantity in fruits as they ripen.

All types of fruit will contain some fruit sugars. This may be a factor for some people who are trying to control their calorie intake. Fruit sugars provide a natural and healthy form of energy. Fruit sugars can give you a quick lift and are far better for you than most consumer snack foods.

Ripe fruit

Some experts argue that fruit should always be perfectly ripe before we eat it. There is some sense in this as ripe fruit is usually far more tasty and appealing. It is clearly more digestible. Our garden birds display a distinct preference for fully ripe fruit, too.

Conversely, eating seriously under-ripe fruit can lead to stomach upsets.

Homemade muesli really is a breeze to make. Experiment with different mixes and you will soon learn which cereals you like best. For a subtle taste it's good to include a high proportion of oats. Read on and get more information.